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Posted on: January 8, 2015

15-003 Next State Parks 'free days' are Jan. 18-19

No Discover Pass needed for day visits on these days

OLYMPIA – Jan. 7, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces that Sunday, Jan. 18 and Monday, Jan. 19 are the next state parks “free days” when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day visits at state parks. These two dates are to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

The “free days” are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass—a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 “free days” when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days apply only for day visits at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required to access WDFW and DNR lands. Camping and overnight fees are still required at state parks. In addition, Sno-Park permits are also required on free days.

In 2015, State Parks offers 12 free days, the first of which was on Jan. 1. The other free days for 2015 are:

March 19 – (Thursday) Washington State Parks’ 102nd birthday

April 4 – (Saturday) A springtime free Saturday

April 22 – (Wednesday) Earth Day

May 10 – (Sunday) A springtime free Sunday

June 6 – (Saturday) National Trails Day

June 13 – (Saturday) National Get Outdoors Day

August 25 – (Tuesday) National Park Service 99th birthday

September 26 – (Saturday) National Public Lands Day

November 11 – (Wednesday) Veterans Day

State Parks hopes the free days will encourage people to get out and discover a new park or revisit an old favorite and then consider supporting recreation on state lands by purchasing a Discover Pass. More information about the pass is here: www.discoverpass.wa.gov

About Washington State ParksThe Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.